**Glenorchy URC Exmouth Charity number 1144853 Trustees Report Financial Statements Church Organisations Accounts (appendix A) for the year ended 31 December 2024** ## **GLENORCHY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH** # **Exmouth Road Exmouth EX8 3DL** **Charity number 1144853** **Trustees Report Financial Statements Church Organisations Accounts (appendix A) for the year ended 31 December 2024** Minister: Revd Janine Atkinson **Glenorchy URC Exmouth, charity number 1144853** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024** This report includes information required by the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting by Charities 2005 as applicable to charities entitled to prepare accounts on the receipts and payments basis. ## **ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** Glenorchy United Reformed Church Charity is a local church of the United Reformed Church of Great Britain, and is a member of the South West Synod of the Church. It was registered on 1st December 2011 as Charity Number 1144853. Glenorchy Church has church buildings at Exeter Road, Exmouth. The members of the Elders’ Meeting for the time being are recognised as the charity trustees. Those who served from 1st January 2024 until the date this report was approved are:Mrs Lyn Bellamy (retired May 2024) Mrs Sheila Brain Mrs Jean Curl Mr John Greenslade (elected May 2024) Mrs Sheila Johnstone (elected May 2024) Mrs Jenny Newman (Church Secretary) Mr Irvin McFarlane The Church buildings and the Manse (at 24 Halsdon Avenue Exmouth) are vested in the South West Synod Trust company as trustees and held for the benefit of Glenorchy United Reformed Church in accordance with the trusts applicable to U.R.C. properties. ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE, AND MANAGEMENT** The activities of Glenorchy United Reformed Church are overseen by the Elders` Meeting of the Church in accordance with the Structure of the United Reformed Church determined by the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church and supplemented by the rules of Glenorchy Church. The governing document of the registered charity is a statement adopted by the Church Meeting on 19th November 2009, amended October 2021. The Elders` Meeting is responsible for the financial administration of the Church, and the care and maintenance of Church premises and Manse. The Church Meeting gives general guidance on the life and work of the Church. The members of the Elders` Meeting are the minister and up to 8 members of Glenorchy Church nominated and elected by the members of the Church in Church Meeting. Elders are elected for a three-year term and may then seek re-election if they wish. Elders who have served two consecutive three-year terms must have at least one year’s sabbatical, and can then be considered for re-election, if they wish. The members of the Elders` Meeting are the trustees of the registered charity during their period of service as elders. They are assisted in the administration of the Church and its property by the General Purposes Committee and the Finance Committee. The Elders` Meeting normally meets 11 times during the year. ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** As a local congregation of the United Reformed Church, Glenorchy United Reformed Church seeks to advance the Christian religion through its activities and the facilities offered to the community by its buildings. This is described more specifically in its mission statement as “inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, we express the love of Christ both within our own fellowship, and in partnership with other churches and Christian groups in Exmouth. Our mission strategy aims to develop our Christian faith and offer community outreach to vulnerable people, including children and young families.” The Elders` Meeting is aware of the Charities Commission`s guidance on public benefit in “The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit” and has regard to it in the administration of the Church. ` The Elders Meeting believes that the Church provides benefit to the public by: (a) providing resources and facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral, and intellectual development, both for the congregation and for anyone else who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers; and (b) promoting Christian values and service by members of the congregation to the community, for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. An example of this was the setting up of the Work Club in July 2011 (now known as the Job Café), to offer help and assistance to those in the community who are unemployed and seeking to find employment, This provision is much appreciated within the community. ## **REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS** Our minister, Revd Janine Atkinson, has been in post since October 2022, bringing a fresh impetus to our activities and building up the community of the church, including the establishment of a regular monthly Bible Study Group, and special study courses during Advent and Lent. Developing the Faith – the main activity is Sunday morning worship in the church. These services are not only for the regular worshippers, but also for any member of the public wishing to attend. We maintain contact with those members of the congregation unable to attend through sickness or disability with the circulation of a regular Reflection provided by the Minister. This is sent by email, with a printed copy for those unable to receive it that way, and is also published on our website. An audio recording of the Sunday Service is available on the website, when possible. The monthly _**Review**_ magazine is a key means of sharing news of the fellowship and activities, and the website is kept up-to-date with the latest information. Community Outreach – There are several activities through which Glenorchy Church aims to engage with the public, including Saturday coffee mornings, the weekly Art group and the midweek Music Concerts. A new activity is the weekly Table Tennis Group. In addition, there is the monthly Walking group and the monthly Craft Group. There are a number of regular outside lettings using the Church hall, through which we engage with a variety of local community groups. We continue to join with other churches in support of the much-needed Community Larder/Foodbank, based at the Salvation Army, and the “Open Door” drop-in Centre. Glenorchy Church works to serve those in need through our Mission Committee, by seeking social justice, both locally and abroad, and working with other Christian groups, such as “Christian Aid”, and “Commitment For Life”, as well as agencies abroad. The Church actively supports “Fairtrade.” We have regular fundraising activities for our chosen charities, and voluntary donations for the various causes have been generously maintained. As mentioned previously in this report, the setting up of the Work Club/Job Café to reach out to those unemployed and seeking employment, is regarded as very successful, and is an effort to provide further engagement with the local community. This activity is funded partly by the URC South West Synod and partly through outside grants. Glenorchy Church is aware of and adheres to the “Good Practice Guide” for safeguarding in churches. The Church has in place a Child Protection Policy as well as for the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults. The Church seeks to address health and safety issues at all times. The Church is also aware that these activities and events could not take place without the help of the many volunteers who give of their time and energy, to whom the Church is very grateful. **2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## General Summary There was a deficit of £29,529 at the end of 2024 against the £2,111 surplus for 2023 which was a decrease of £31,637 from the 2023 surplus, the main reason being the one off legacy of a similar amount received in the prior year. Income (of £80,687) was exceeded by expenditure (of £110,216), so reserves were used to support activities throughout the year. ## Receipts Income of £80,687 was a 22.4% decrease on the £103,964 in 2023. This was essentially due a one-off legacy, offset slightly by increased membership, and other income, some reimbursements from Synod against the electrical and other improvements carried out in the year. Offerings still remain the largest single item of income and accounts for 44.8% of total income. The Church is grateful for this continued financial support of all those of our Church fellowship and in the community. ## Payments Expenditure has seen an increase from £101,853 in 2023 to £110,216 this year. This was mainly due to increased Ministry & Mission costs as well as the Fixed Car Allowance, and increased running costs, mainly due to significant electrical work being carried out in the church and hall, as well as other improvements and maintenance costs. Church utilities costs have decreased from £11,915 in 2023 to £10,335 in 2024 due to efficiencies and rates as well as the climate, whilst Church running costs increased from £24,055 in 2023 to £28,119 in 2024. The Manse costs decreased, with more regular costs due the completion of the refurbishment in the first quarter of 2023. (Cost decreasing from £20,202 in 2023 to £8,740 in 2024). The Ministry & Mission payments, together with ministerial expenses, showed an increase from £33,297 in 2023 to £39,446 in 2024 due to inflation and the Fixed Car Allowance. This cost remains the largest single expenditure, accounting for 35.8% of the expenditure, and further increases in the following year are likely to see its percentage increase further. ## Church Organisations The appendices show the financial activity, and the current state of the various church groups, which are financially autonomous within the church itself. As in previous years those accounts have been drawn up by the various members concerned, these were then examined and found correct by Mrs. Sheila Johnstone to whom our thanks must be recorded. ## Investments Cash reserves were required to be utilised to cover the deficit resulting from increased Church maintenance and running costs, whilst short term investments also showed an increase in value, and short term deposits saw a switch in provider to achieve easier access and increased returns given current operating conditions. ## Future Outlook Effort has to be made to ensure that we balance income and expenditure, and to continue to manage our finances, especially as we are in a period of uncertainty and change, though we are also working to best utilise the assets at our disposal given the challenging environment. It is prudent that certain money is put aside as insurance against the unexpected, and to furnish future projects/refurbishments. Future revenues will likely be under comparative strain due to the reduced membership, stagnant hall rental, and pressures from running costs and improvements, though steps are being taken to control these. ## Unrestricted funds:- Ideally the Elders would wish to have in hand an amount equal to at least 6 months` regular expenditure as “free” reserves, to meet future shortfalls in income or unexpected expense. The Reserve fund has sufficient balance at present, to meet such a commitment. General expenditure in the running of the Church should be met from normal income. The weekly free will offering envelopes and Gift Aiding (for tax payers) and direct bank debiting, may be areas worthy of further promotion. There is a need that we continue to manage our reserves to obtain the correct mix of cash reserves, investments, and funding for future refurbishments/ deficits/projects. ## Conclusions It is true to say that we have paid our bills, and managed whilst navigating a challenging time. Let us hope with careful management we will still be able to balance the Church finances in the foreseeable future. Thanks need to be recorded, to members of the General Purposes and Finance committees, and to all the fellowship at Glenorchy for their individual contributions to the life and witness of the church. Thanks also to our appointed accounts examiner Mr. Dick Gray for his valued help and advice. ## **Treasurer’s Statement** I have prepared the financial statements on pages 1 to 3 for the year ended 31 December 2024 Allan G Jackson, Bookkeeper February 2025 Accounts approved by the Church Meeting held on 18[th] May 2025 and signed by the Chair, Revd Peter Brain P.J. Brain GLENORCHY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 RECEiirrs PAYME•ITS ACCOIJNT 2024 Totsl £ 202) T4*MI £ RECEIPTS lenng L•1¥09•, & knfjrt 36.149 11,895 .149 11,895 2.241 32,9)3 11.515 2,318 2.247 Young Churth & 2,394 In¥oslmerts Inctrp• Sab88 & Tox 8 R•twd$ ¢>*ts a & InWlan¢è 12 5,163 9,073 7.556 7,720 5.612 11,011 33.437 7,720 103. PAYIIENTS Mrmstry & PASSr￿ Fund 3S7C 32.556 741 11,915 3.746 10.335 28.119 18.892 8.740 10 335 27,193 16,692 926 10.678 20,202 MaFW Runrdng Costs Ywrtgct￿rtkn & Abtrnenl 3.883 1,7C 105 407 4.809 NET RECEPTS I IPAYIAeNTS) -1.679 -29,529 1C.240 2.111 10.240 23,594 19.338 CASH FUIIDS blP*d 1 Jwuary ¢ASH FUMDS elP*d 31 OecambEr 9.841 6.4 16241 33.468 4.65 C•¥ 1&241 90,537 Y8.080 144,496 Otw" acojunts IGdd.90 D8y&R¢•vl Glwthy Held 21.560 18.577 148.462 9J,649 72,209 18.577 148.462 649 269 354 veStm￿ts ChJrth ChLwth Chwth 11 11 5256.877 513.529 923.533 ItO2120251 GLEIKwfi uNIrn) RWRMED CIIUIICH FI4W4C￿ STATEIIENTS YE*St ENDED 31 DECEIIJBER 2024 I ACCOUPfflNG POLKies 2 FUNO ACCOUIITrIG 28 LNv•S1￿c1ed Funth may be u5•J ony 01rt5 LYIP￿ry be tr4rtOwred hnto ganfjral ai th8 chunth's tund• Yw•r• d•Mlll•d a• OMlgn•t•d In ¢urnt xcounllfvg y•w. R••lrf¢W Fund• r¢K*eswt irmne wlith m•y bo ex￿¢d onty rn8w1￿•d Fwthl¢od kn th• 7eFrn6 of a or boysi. or don•ts'thS or knvlted tr a 9F*dk tyrpu8e. Those frjrrtls can lyt• on tho PWP050 lty ￿thIch kny b¥lwK8 remknw unsyt must È FL￿￿ n*￿1 wrpN•. 5.264 jun￿ Chuich l Mkns 118 31 Social o￿n9& 31 2247 Y•w L*•t Y Toki £ 3 IIONIES RAl8tD Foro CAuse8 120 120 70 2.052 t.592 knsknr R¢lnrnent PregenlalKY¢ IDr Leth￿$ to Chwth i fr* M•n*8 11,895 9.943 8.815 230 J CNURCM RUNNING COSTS Ggs and •thtykity 4.395 4.856 4.082 413 4.4e4 607 A¢knn. Ststicrnry and F+*Xo¢wiry Generd Expenses 10.514 7.74S 9.880 38 454 1C.514 7745 4.409 3.546 Tot•1 churtth rymlng ¢011• 36.454 Th1• La* Y•¥ ?J Tqtsl £ Tai4lt • PRO6IiAIIME AcTI￿￿.Co$Ts ssy Chur& Alk*neni F*1￿1C￿L STATEMENTS YEAR ENIJED 31 DECEMBER 2024 IIOTES. ¢oTht*￿• 2J r+#￿ £ ToMI£ 7 #UPPORT OF OUTsif* CAUSES 210 120 Paki$w Floods Styess H+slOr￿ Tm$t DEC & Twkey 231 63 t78 23D Ctokey SanLluary CtynFThlfnenl lor Lh e M*JNTEN*tr4CE OF CHIIRCH 8UiDWIG5 lajor Rapwr5 1 IMpro￿lD￿ Repairs Mar*wnc• M￿rt•￿ty¢• of Chwth Bulldlnos 16 055 • MANTEXANce OF AWIS tsFt Rep￿ RtsAine M*lenerKtrlfflprov Oty%r. IFNIWts￿o￿I Ta¥ Chgrges 4,724 4,724 14,518 568e 19 MONETIRY ASSETS Thè thurth M￿￿•S ow not h* arLwnis. bjt for tho 8*• of ttss th• total 11 ￿SE{S USED FOR CHLViCH PU￿￿$£8 ThE (￿rth and ts* manse * 24 R￿1. Nysted ￿ thE URC Athwes*m Swh)J as rKrt ¢hKrth assftts. They we hehj tc¢ ￿ b0r*fft cl F¢Y Insurarnx bLIAdb)gs by ts rJwr¢* fr¢ ￿.087.704 ond £513.529. The chwth c4JrtErt* •rE by**e fry£921533 12 TrI¥ESTIJEIITS HaD FOR CHURCH PURPOSES *9•¢4¢8 Tha ofthis ¢JEcwJed bylhe alcrn. rèe•fv•l tr* yw ar• InGKthd in I￿￿e acc¥unts. The kne ii¥estrn¢nts d¢rrf>¥*s #% trethenl ol inc£ffi• Is x lolkx. Illtw•￿kn V•kn Q V•lu• O In 2024 2024 2023 16,ZJ 649 426 .649 21.560 GI￿￿ hehj COIF Fund COIF Elhkal hN•lm¥rt FLThI 18.577 148.462 18.0 4210 6,481 Inl•rn&t Indud•d unrn•t￿ Fwbd• QLeNORCllY uiirrED REFORMEO CNIIRC FIN*XCL•L STATEMENTS ENDED J1 DecEll•eA 2014 IIOEPEWDENT EXUIIIIER'8 REPORT I repJt t￿ tm •iat•meYts ol Gknnrrthy UFIC lty Ihe ￿ •nd•d 31 Dec•mb•r 2024, 1r• ••1 tyrt on pipe* 110 3. The church l¥ r•8pwblo fry Ih w•p•r•tJcffi ol th• lknwndal and th•i audbl r•qult#mani of IM Charths Act 20111th• d￿6 •ppty. It i¥ my r••prthibHlly to 118le. on l*#¥ ol I[￿￿•d kn th• G￿81 by Ihp Chartty Cfrfnm*•hJw• WKl•r 4317Mbl pl￿%￿71 nwtl•rn to rny •1*￿. B••l• ol Ind•p•nd•nl r•port Iy ox•mln•uM w4• ¢•m•d occryd•rrAry ￿1th lh• a￿•￿1 OhcihJn# ||101.96|| ||||**1378.91**||| |**TOTAL**|**3868.96**|**TOTAL**||**3868.96**|| ||Prepared by Peter Johnstone||||| |Examined and found correct by Mrs J Curl on April 1st2025|||||| ## **Appendix A 4** ## **GLENORCHY CRAFTERS** |**INCOME**|||**EXPENDITURE**|||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |**Balance b/f from**|**2023**|**174.99**||||| |Donations|180.00||Shoebox items and wool|||205.05| |Group meetings|97.00
||Tea & cofee|||2.40| ||**277.00**||cr2ee (for petrol)|||50.00| |||||||**257.45**| ||||**Balance carried forward to 2025**|||| ||||In church current account|177.72||| ||||Cash||16.82|| |||||**194.54**||| |**TOTAL**|**451.99**||||**451.99**|| Prepared by Mrs S Johnstone Examined and found correct by Mrs J Curl on April 1st 2025 ## **Appendix A 5** ## **FLOWER FUND** ## **INCOME EXPENDITURE** |**INCOME**||**EXPENDITURE**|| |---|---|---|---| |Balance B/F|from 2023||| |Bank|533.57|Greenfngers|36.00| |Cash|56.17|Otter nurseries|100.00| ||**589.74**||**136.00**| |Donation|40.00||| |Donation|20.00||| ||**60.00**||| |||**Carried forward to 2025**|| |||Bank**333.57**|| |**TOTAL**|**649.74**||**469.57**| |||**Unaccounted for**|**180.17**| Prepared from available documents (Nationwide bank book and receipts) by Mrs S Johnstone in the absence of the Flower Fund co-ordinator on 16[th] January 2025 Documents seen and agreed by Mrs J Curl on April 1[st] 2025 ## **Appendix A 6 MISSION FUND** |**INCOME**||**EXPENDITURE**||| |---|---|---|---|---| |**Balance B/F from 2023**|**1166.79**|Paid to charities||| |||Sailors’ Society|650.00|| |||WaterAid|500.00|| |Mission boxes and donations|876.65|St Petrocks|500.00|| |Concert - St David’s Singers|385.50|Seeway Trust|580.00|| |Concert- Clyst Valley Choral Soc 191.00||||**2230.00**| |Poetry afternoon
|200.00|||| |Auction
|320.00|||| |Cofee mornings + stalls
|461.76|||| ||**2434.91**|||| |||**Carried forward to 2025**||**1371.70**| |**TOTAL**|**3601.70**|||**3601.70**| Prepared by Mrs S Densham Examined and found correct by Mrs S Johnstone on 25th January 2025 **Appendix A 7** ## **JOB CAFÉ** ## **INCOME EXPENDITURE** |**INCOME**||**EXPENDITURE**|| |---|---|---|---| |**2023 Balance b/f**|**2643.33**||| |Glenorchy Church|3000.00|Co-ordinator|10200.00| |Norman Family Trust 1000.00||Zen (fnal)|51.25| |SW Synod|3500.00|BT broadband|775.80| |Devon CC|1000.00|EE phone|86.94| |Donation|2000.00|Christmas 2023|100.00| |Stripe payments UK Ltd 19.18||Catering|22.00| ||**10,519.18**|Printer Ink|16.10| |||Float (co-ordinator)|200.00| |**TOTAL INCOME**|**13,162.51**|**TOTAL**|**11,452.09**| |||**Carried forward to 2025**|**1,710.42**| ||**13,162.51**||**13,162.51**| Prepared by Revd P Brain Examined and found correct by Mrs S Johnstone on 25[th] January 2025